3. Evan Turner
May 5, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Evan Turner (12) takes a shot against Washington Wizards guard
Bradley Beal(3) in game one of the second round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Washington won 102-96. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Hear me out. In a world of “what have you done for me lately,” Evan Turner laid a massive goose egg with the Pacers. He’s not a great player off the bench in limited minutes, which is what the Pacers wanted him for.
In the right situation, Turner is a productive player. Prior to the trade, he was averaging 17.2 points and 6.0 rebounds for the 76ers. He’s a ball-dominant player, needing the ball to make plays, which certainly clashes with Kobe Bryant‘s similar mentality and play-style. However, at just 25, taking a calculated risk on Turner is wise. We saw the Lakers make low-risk, high-reward signings last summer with Xavier Henry and Wes Johnson. If the market dries up for Turner, we could see him in purple and gold next fall.